WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 9122

Directs the public service commission to develop, publish, and update a guidebook on the gas and electric ratemaking process

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie and 2 co-sponsors

Requires the PSC to publish a plain-language guidebook on gas/electric ratemaking to boost transparency and public participation.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 9122

Bill overview

  • Bill: S 9122
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Title: Directs the public service commission to develop, publish, and update a guidebook on the gas and electric ratemaking process
  • Sponsor(s): Sen. Comrie (primary); co-sponsors Sen. Zellnor Myrie, Sen. Shelley Mayer, Sen. Leroy Comrie
  • Status: Introduced February 5, 2026; referred to Energy and Telecommunications; later reported and committed to Finance (April 28, 2026)

Purpose and intent

The bill would require the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to create, maintain, and publish a plain-language guidebook explaining the gas and electric ratemaking process. The aim is to enhance public understanding, participation, and transparency in rate-setting proceedings that involve hearings.

Key provisions

  • Section 66 adds new subdivision 33 to the public service law:

    • The PSC must develop, publish, and periodically update a guidebook on gas and electric ratemaking.
    • The guidebook must be in plain language and accessible on the PSC website.
    • It must be referenced in communications about rate-related matters that require a hearing under the PSC’s authority.

  • Required content of the guidebook (two major sections with detailed subsections):

    • Section (a): Public understanding and participation
    • (i) Basic overview of the ratemaking process, including any commission-approved alternative procedures, timelines, and a glossary.
    • (ii) How the public can comment, participate, and how the PSC reviews/incorporates public comments.
    • (iii) Summary of legal requirements, components, goals of ratemaking, and roles of utility, commissioners, staff, administrative judges, and intervenors.
    • (iv) How to access ratemaking documentation, rate case summaries, and memoranda.
    • Section (b): Intervention and participation of interested or affected parties
    • (i) Detailed, practical description of the ratemaking process, including alternative procedures, and how to intervene and become a formal party.
    • (ii) Summary of rights and responsibilities of parties and the role/powers of administrative judges.
    • (iii) Explanation of key procedural components (testimony, motions, interrogatories, discovery, evidence, hearings).
    • (iv) Summary of settlement guidelines, the role of parties in settlements, and how the commission reviews/changes proposals before adoption.
    • (v) Templates and examples of relevant documents that intervenors may need to submit.

  • Section 2: Timing for publication

    • The guidebook must be published and available on the PSC website no later than 120 days after the act becomes law.

  • Section 3: Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary: New York Public Service Commission (PSC), which must develop, publish, and maintain the guidebook.
  • Secondary: Gas and electric ratepayers and potential intervenors in rate cases (consumer advocates, municipalities, stakeholders, and affected parties) who will benefit from clearer guidance on how ratemaking works and how to participate.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Timelines:
    • If enacted, the PSC must finalize and publish the guidebook within 120 days of enactment.
  • Access and dissemination:
    • The guidebook must be accessible in plain language on the PSC website and referenced in communications about hearings or rate-related actions.
  • Continuity:
    • The guidebook must be updated from time to time, ensuring current information on procedures, timelines, and documentation.

Practical impact

  • Increased transparency and public participation in rate proceedings.
  • More accessible explanations of ratemaking steps, rights, and responsibilities for non-experts.
  • Potentially improved efficiency in public hearings through standardized guidance, templates, and examples for intervenors.
  • The measure emphasizes consumer-friendly communication and documentation to facilitate informed public involvement in gas and electric rate cases.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.